18 Finalists Named For San Diego County Fair's Fair-Tastic Foods Competition

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Fair announced the 18 finalists for this year's Fair-tastic Foods Competition.

Fairgoers can now get in on the fun by trying any and all of the 18 entries for 50% off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday as part of the new "Foodie Fridays" promotion, which runs every Friday in June.

A panel of local foodie influencers selected the 18 finalists from a field of 45 semi-finalists late Wednesday. The winners of the third annual competition, which showcases the latest creative culinary concoctions, will also be announced Friday during a special event at the fair.

The 18 items will be put to the taste test at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Chevrolet Paddock Stage at the fair. Judges include Troy Johnson of San Diego Magazine and the Food Network, Claudia Sandoval of "Claudia's Cucina" and "Master Chef," and Rudy Acosta of Univision TV. The judges will decide the six winners and crown the "Best of Show" champion.

The Disco Pop Shake by TJ's Ice Cream took home the top prize in 2024, and the Hot Cheeto Chicken Sandwich from Biggy's won the inaugural honor in 2023.

This year's competition, which featured a record number of entries, is divided into three categories — WOW, Theme, and "So San Diego" — with classes for sweet and savory items.

These are the finalists:

So San Diego: Savory

• Loaded Plantains by Rafikiz Foodz
• Mexican "La Jolla" Noodles by Ricos Manjares
• SPAM Wonton Tacos by Boba King

So San Diego: Sweet

• Bacon Churro Fries by Bacon Nation
• Tajin Me Up Dole from Candy Me Up
• Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll by Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

WOW: Savory

• Bò Né by Chan’s Chicken on a Stick
• Pork Belly Bao Buns from Between the Buns
• Super Volcano Fries by Farmer in the Del

WOW: Sweet

• Biscoff Milk Tea from Boba King
• Cherry Blossom Dubai Chocolate Strawberries by Ricky's Sweet Paradise
• Hot Honey Ice Cream Chicken Bowl from Chicken Charlie’s

THEME: Savory

• Cajun Honey Dog by West Coast Weenies
• Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza by Pat’s Pizza
• The D-O-Double-G Mac by Maggs Mac Shack

THEME: Sweet

• Carnival Fish from Candyland
• Kit Cat Crunch Sundae from Crutchee's Cream
• Purrfect Gourmet Apple by Sugar Bear